Ricoh Japan has announced the Caplio 300G,a rugged, dustproof and water-resistant version of their latest digital camera, the Caplio RR30. The main characteristics of this new camera are: A shutter response of just 0.22 second and shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 8 seconds. The CCD delivers an effective 3.24 megapixels and 10.2x zoom from a 3x optical zoom lens, combined with 3.4x digital zoom. For those seeking close-up detail, the Caplio 300G allows for macros images to be taken at distances as close as 1cm...

PRESS RELEASE

Tokyo, December 16, 2002. Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president: Masamitsu Sakurai) announces the release of its new Caplio 300G. Perfect for outdoor use, the new Caplio features a water and dust-resistant design, sturdy body, fast shutter response, long battery life, and more, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

The accessories supplied include a video cable, a USB cable, two alkaline AA batteries, Caplio 300G software on CD-ROM, and a neck strap.

The new Caplio 300G is the industry's first 3 megapixel-class digital camera with built-in 3x optical zoom to boast a water-resistant design, making it perfect for outdoor use. The Caplio 300G is designed for durability and geared toward a wide range of outdoor applications. It affords users JIS protection grade 7-equivalent water resistance and JIS protection grade-6 dust resistance, which make it possible to take pictures in the rain or in sandy or dusty environments. It is even possible to wash the camera with water! (However, the Caplio 300G is not designed for underwater photography.)The Caplio 300G also shares the advanced features that made the Caplio RR30 (which has been on sale since September 2002) so popular, including a mere 0.22-second shutter-response time lag*1 and long battery life.

*1 Measured as the delay from the time the shutter release is pressed until the exposure starts.

Major Features of the Caplio 300G

1. Built to Stand up to Outdoor UseWater- and dust-resistant, durable, portable, and easy to operate · Use of a reinforced glass dust protector in front of the lens, and rubber packing on opening parts and buttons provides JIS protection grade 7-equivalent water resistance and JIS protection grade-6 dust resistance. The camera can be washed with water and used in the rain, and is capable of photography in highly dusty or sandy environments. · Protection on each side and in key locations provides superb durability. · The camera uses a sturdy, two-piece strap for hanging the compact, lightweight body around your neck when walking about. · The large shutter button and switches make the camera easy to use even when wearing gloves.

2. Ultra-fast Shutter ResponseDon't let that perfect shot get away · Superb response: just 0.22 seconds between the time the shutter release is pressed until exposure begins. · High-speed processing: Startup takes about 2.5 seconds; the shooting interval is about 1.5 seconds, normal continuous mode about 0.3 seconds; and shot reproduction lag is about 0.5 seconds (assuming an image size of 1280x960, taken in normal mode).

3. Long Operating TimeLong battery life and choice of power sources keep low batteries from stealing photo opportunities · Long battery life: Use the optional high-capacity lithium ion battery to take up to about 3,500 continuous shots. Reduce the hassle of changing batteries in adverse weather conditions and the like*2. · No more worries about running out of batteries at a bad time: the camera also supports easily available AA batteries (alkaline, nickel, and NiMH). Get the most out of outdoor use. · An optional AC adapter is also available for indoor use. *2 The following guidelines are recommended for optimal use of the DB-43 rechargeable battery: image size: 640x480; flash: off; zoom: not in use; and monitor display: off.

5. High-Sensitivity ModeTake photos even in dimly lit locations · The built-in high-sensitivity mode provides excellent illumination, even in dimly lit areas. The Caplio 300G makes it easy to take pictures at night, indoors, and in other dim environments. · In addition to the built-in flash, an accessory shoe for an external flash is also available.

6. And More!A full range of advanced features only Ricoh can deliver · Built-in macro mode allows you to take shots as close as 1 cm (0.4 inches). Or, use the built-in flash to take shots as close as 16 cm (6.4 inches). Take bright, beautiful pictures without overexposed shots. · It's easy to transfer your pictures to a PC - just connect your camera via a USB cable. Automatic folder creation, elimination of duplicate images, and other features make your photo collection easy to organize*3. · Six scene modes are provided: Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Nightscape, Text, and High sensitivity. · A wide range of continuous shooting modes are available, including M-continuous (Memory Continuous), which can record continuously while the shutter release button is held, then save the two seconds immediately preceding the release of the shutter release into a single file divided into 16 frames; S-continuous (Stream Continuous), which records the two seconds after the shutter release is pressed into 16 frames; and ordinary continuous mode, which takes one shot every 0.3 seconds. These features are very handy for capturing continuous motion, including logging the progress of an experiment.